Module switch having a rotatable and reciprocal actuator



May 16, 1967 M. VERNEAU 3,320,394

MODULE SWITCH HAVING A ROTATABLE AND RECTPROCAL ACTUATOR Filed July 18, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet l o o/I M. VERNEAU May 16, 1967 AND RECIPROCAL ACTUATOR MODULE SWITCH HAVING A ROTATABLE- 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 18, 1966 y 16, 1957 M. VERNEAU 3,320,394

MODULE SWITCH HAVING A ROTATABLE AND RECIPROCAL ACTUATOR Filed July 18, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 May 16, 1967 M. VERNEAU 3,320,394

MODULE SWITCH HAVING A ROTATABLE AND RECIPROCAL ACTUATOR Filed July 18, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent 7 3,320,394 MODULE SWITCH HAVING A ROTATABLE AND RECIPROCAL ACTUATOR Marcel Verneau, Lyon, France, assignor to Compagnie Generale dEntreprises Electriques, Levallois-Perret, France Filed July 18, 1966, Ser. No. 565,803 22 Claims. (Cl. 200167) This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 376,717, filed June 22, 1964.

This invention relates to control and signalling switching devices principally for use in switchboard control consoles, cubicles or the like.

Devices of this type presently in use are generally cumbersome and relatively heavy. Most often switches of this type are aifixed to a supporting panel only by their frontal terminal portion thus securing the switch as a cantilever. Consequently, the weight of the switch is a considerable factor and an undesirable characteristic.

Furthermore, it is known that switchboards and cubicles are most often crammed with equipment and it is therefore desirable to use very small, so-called miniaturized, elements. Also, the known switch, push button and signalling lamp structures often require the provision of separate mounting orifices usually of different dimensions.

It is one of the objects of this invention to remedy the above-noted disadvantages by providing a miniaturized switch of novel structure and of particularly simple light weight and inexpensive construction which, nevertheless, exhibits remarkably robust characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved versatile modular switch convertible at will to be used either solely as a push switch, or solely as a turn switch, or as a combination thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved switch wherein the number of steps may be varied by the addition or removal of identical modules or stages.

The improved switch requires only a single mounting orifice and unites the functions of push buttons, switch and signalling lamp devices similarly to the switching apparatus disclosed in French Patent No. 1,138,564. As will become apparent as the specification progresses, the improved switch incorporates a number of novel structural features rendering the switch mechanism sturdier and more versatile. Its use is particularly advantageous in crowded switchboards and notably in switchboards of the mosaic type comprising detachable panels.

Except for a small number of indispensable metallic parts, the improved switch is made entirely of a semirigid plastic material wherein each component is molded obviating the necessity of any other machining operation, such as punching, counter-sinking or the like. This applies to both the external and the internal faces of the switch components, that is, the faces which are to abut one another either by a resilient fit joining two components, one located within the other, or by means of external securing means. It applies similarly to contacting surfaces designed to slide linearly or rotate with respect to one another, and having customarily accepted tolerances. I

The improved switch comprises three basic parts: (1) a fixed external part, also identified as a contact supporting element; (2) a movable part disposed within a passage provided substantially along the axis of the first part; and (3) a fixed part extending transversely through the movable part with a clearance sufiicient to allow the 3,320,394 Patented May 16, 1967 The components or contact blocks of the first part each enclose at least two contacts proper, each being carried by a longitudinal resilient metallic lamina. One of the laminae also carries at its free enda boss adapted to be engaged by a corresponding portion of the movable, second part of the switch.

The intermediate elements or intermediate blocks of the first part are interposed between the contact blocks in such a manner as to divide the latter into a front and a rear group, each comprising at least one contact block and each actuated respectively and exclusively by a linear sliding (push) as well as a rotational (turn) movement. The contact blocks in both groups of the first part, although actuated dilferently, may be identically constructed. The two active components, or control elements of the second part, on the other hand, differ in structure from one another. The second part,'similarly to the first part, also comprises intermediate elements.

The control elements of the second part are each associated with one of the contact blocks of the first part. Thus, the control elements, similarly to the contact blocks, are divided into a front and a rear group by the intermediate elements of the second part. As noted hereinabove, contrary to their corresponding contact blocks, the control elements are constructed differently from one another depending upon the function each is to perform.

The control elements of the front group, defined as translating elements, act upon the corresponding con tacts solely by a translating movement. These translating elements comprise ramps that are adapted to longitudinally engage the bosses of the said corresponding contacts during the translating movement in order to radially displace the laminae that carry the bosses and the contacts proper which, in turn, are affixed to the laminae.

The control elements of the rear group, defined as rotary elements, act upon their corresponding contacts solely by a rotary movement. These elements comprise ribs adapted, during rotation, to engage transversely the bosses of the corresponding contacts and radially displace the laminae that carry the bosses and the contacts proper, also aflixed to the laminae.

It. is seen that, although the moveable laminae of the contacts in the front and rear groups of the first part are actuatedvdiiferently by the sliding ramps and the rotating ribs of the active elements of the second part, they execute the same radial displacement.

The intermediate elements of the second part comprise longitudinal slide and return means adapted to act upon the translating elements as a unit. The same intermediate elements of the second part comprise, in addition, accurate positioning means for the rotary elements;

movable part to slide and to rotate without noticeable i i each part 'by said means being adapted at the same time to insure a sudden, snap motion of said first and second parts from one position to the other.

The third part of the novel switch comprises a fixed cylindrical central stem of insulating material on which there are stacked the control elements and the intermediate elements of the said second part. The stem carries at its forward end a hollow fixture that forms a socket adapted to receive an indicator lamp.

Finally, the novel switch carries at its foremost portion control means for translation (push) and for rotation (turn) such as a push button, a rotatable knob, or the like, as well as mounting means for afiixing the switch to a switchboard or cubicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, contact blocks may be added to or removed from the switch at will along with the corresponding active elements with subsequent rc-adjustment of the length of the central stem. In case either the push or the turn function is.to:be entirely eliminated, the intermediate fixed and movable corresponding elements are not needed and are, therefore, also removed.

The external elements of the fixed part are longitudinally arranged in an end-to-end nested relationship and are firmly clamped together by means of at least two longitudinal metallic stems which at their front end are threadedly engaged by a base block, and at their rear end are blocked by a securing nut.

The invention will be better understood and further characteristics, objects and advantages thereof will become apparent from the ensuing detailed specification of embodiments given solely by way of example and from the drawing, wherein:

, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a push contact block;

FIG. 2 is an external view of the entire turn-push switch taken along one of its lateral faces;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate element setting the rotary working positions of the switch;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a turn contact block;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along another lateral face of the switch;

' FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the entire switch;

FIG. 7 is a frontal end view of a turn or turn-push switch;

FIG. 8 is an external view of a turn switch viewed along one of its lateral faces;

FIG. 9 is a frontal end view of the knurled control button of the switch;

FIG. 10 is a view of the entire push switch taken along one of its lateral faces; and

FIG. 11 is an isometric exploded view of the principal details of the novel switch.

The novel switch shown in FIGS. 1-6 is composed of the following eleven portions, each having a function of its own:

Portion A is a mounting unit securing the switch to a board or panel;

Portion B is a base unit carrying the aforementioned two metallic stems on which the elements of the switch are stacked;

Portion C is the push contact block;

Portion -D is the control element of the push contact and driving elements for the control element of the turn contact;

Portion E is the return element for the push structure;

Portion F is the element for setting the working positions of the turn structure;

Portions G are the turn contact blocks;

Portions H are the control elements for the turn contact;

Portion I is the indicator lamp;

Portion I is the rear terminal part of the switch; and

Portion K is the control knob or button.

Correlating the above-listed lettered portions with the aforementioned three parts and their components, it is seen that:

Portions C and G are the components or contact blocks of the front and rear groups, respectively, of the first, fixed part;

Portions D and H are the components or control elements of the front and rear groups, respectively, of the second, movable part;

Portions E and F constitute the intermediate elements of the second, movable part dividing the latter into the aforesaid front and rear groups.

In the description hereinbelow, the characteristics, means of assembly and use of the various elements are set forth in more detail.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 6 and 11, there is shown a mounting unit (portion A) that comprises a metallic sleeve 1 threaded onto base 2, a wedge or serrated washer 3 clamped between a shoulder of sleeve 1 and the back side of panel 4 to prevent the switch from turning, and an indicia plate 5 which is clamped to the front side of the panel 4 by means of a nut 6 threadable onto sleeve 1. Nut 6 is provided at its periphery with indentations or serrations .7 permitting the tightening thereof by means of a wrench. A positioning collar 18 is disposed between the inner cylindrical wall of base 2 and knob 42 and is provided with an inner groove adapted to receive a securing ring 19 also engaging peripherally knob 42.

Base 2 (portion B) receives two metallic stems 8 (only one shown in FIG. 6) on which there are stacked the other elements of the switch. tat the terminal portion of each of stems 8 there are provided a washer 9 and a nut 10 for maintaining all assembled elements in a stacked relationship.

The push contact block (portion C) comprises a casing or contact supporting element 11 within which there are disposed, on either side of the switch axis, the longitudinal laminae 12 and 13, carrying the fixed contact, and the laminae 14 carrying the movable contact. Each of the latter is provided with a boss 15 and 25, respectively, which are adapted to engage the control ramp of the corresponding control elements (portion D) as will become apparent as the specification progresses. One end of laminae 12 is clamped between longitudinal, axially extending first ribs 16:: integral with a removable cover 16 and the inner surface of casing 11, while one end of laminae 13 is clamped between longitudinal, axially extending second ribs 16b integral with cover 16 and axially extending inner ribs 11a integral with casing 11. One end of laminae 14 is firmly held between two afore-noted ribs 16a, 16b integral with cover 16. As another notable feature of the new switch, the laminae are enclosed in a fluid-tight enclosure for the purpose of protecting the contacts against humidity and dust.

The control elements (portion D) of the aforementioned first group acting on the push contacts comprise a body 17 provided at its end distal from knob 42 with four fingers 20 which, on one hand, bear on the return spring 21 and engage, on the other hand, a frontal crown 22 of the portion F.

The control element of portion D carries two ramps 23, one of which is adapted, when pushed, to engage boss 15 urging it radially outwardly. The two ramps 23 are disposed at an angle of with respect to one another in such a manner that, according to the position of the knob, either the boss 15 or the diametrically opposed boss 25 is actuated thereby.

The return unit (portion E) for the push structure comprises a transverse portion 26 and a return spring 21 disposed within a connecting member 28 of the portion F.

The unit (portion F) setting the working positions of the switch comprises said connecting member 28 having four longitudinal fingers assembled in front of a terminal ring 28a in such a manner as to leave free four longitudinal slots 29. Inside of member 28 there is disposed the return spring 21 and the four fingers 20 which are adapted to slide in the four slots 29. The terminal portion of each of fingers 20 is radially offset to form a shoulder or stop means 20a adapted to abut against the inner edge of ring 28a urged thereagainst by spring 21. The connecting member 28 is adapted to drive rotatably the control elements (portion H) of the turn contacts by means of four lugs 30. The connecting member 28 also carries four peripheral surfaces 31 forming a rectangular stub on which rest two opposed lugs 32 urged thereagainst by spring 33. The assembly constituting portion F is enclosed by an integrated transversal cover member 34.

In case eight different rotary positions are to be obtained, two portions F are used that are longitudinally attached to one another and wherein the rectangular stubs having faces 31 are arranged in a 45 angle relative to each other.

The turn contact blocks (portions G) have the same elements 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 as the pus contacts block (portion C) and are thus identical therewith.

The control element (portion H) for the turn contacts comprises a body 35 made of a molded material and engaged by the four lugs 30 ofthe connecting member 28.

The central portion of body 35 is provided with two ribs 36 disposed at an angle of- 180 which, when the body 35 is rotated, engages the bosses 15 of the laminae of movable contacts 14.

For a four-position assembly (two G-H portions), the two bodies 35 are staggered with respect to one another in such a manner that the two ribs 36 of one body 35 are at an angle of 90 with respect to the ribs of the other body 35. For an eight-position assembly (four GH portions), the four bodies 35 are so arranged that the ribs 36 on each body are disposed at an angle of 45 with respect to one another.

The indicator lamp assembly (portion I) comprises the lamp proper 40 (which may be removed forwardly without any tools after withdrawing the knob 42), the insulating stem 37 which is provided along its entire length with two ribs 38 (FIG. 1) defining two opposed channels in which there are disposed metallic contact ribbons 39 delivering current to the lamp 40. After the stacking of the elements comprising the switch is completed, the ribbons 39 are bent to receive the terminal or closure piece 41 at the rear end of the switch and the lamp 40 at the front endthereof.

The lamp 40 comprises an elongated cylindrical bulb and a filament, the two terminal portions of which extend through the bulb at two substantially diametrically opposed points of its lateral face. The terminal portions of the filament are soldered to' two metallic laminae clamped onto the bulb and joined together on an insulating portion located at the rear of the lamp and adapted to abut against the base of a socket. The said metallic laminae each comprises a transversal groove adapted to receivea corresponding hooked portion of the end of metallic contact ribbon 39.

The end or closure portion 41 (portion J) terminates the switch; it is tightened thereto by means of nut 10.

The control knob 42 (portion K) is transparent and is provided with a circular groove 43 adapted to receive the securing ring 19.

The embodiment described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and 11 makes is possible to build a turn-push switch equipped with a lamp by assembling portions A-B-C (one or more), then DEFG (one or more) and finally I-I-I-J-K. As best seen in the sectional view of FIG. 6, the novel switch represented therein comprises two G-H portions stacked in an end-to-end relation. The upper end of the. body 35 in the lower G-H portion protrudes beyond the cover 16 and is adapted to impart a rotary motion to the rotary control element of the upper G-H portion.

' In FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown a turn switch equipped with a lamp and comprising portions A-BFG (one or more), then portions H-I-J-K.

It is to be well understood that, according to the desired number of rotary positions, the switches of the turn type have a plurality of portions F and at least as many portions G. V i

In FIGS. 9 and there is shown a push switch equipped with a lamp comprising portions A-B-C (one or more) and portions D-EIJ, the knob 42 being replaced by a transparent push button.

It is also to be understood that the indicator lamp may be omitted in any of the above-described combinations.

In summary, it is seen that the novel switch may be built by stacking end-to-end two basic modules in a desired combination. Both types of modules comprise an identically constructed outer cylindrical casing 11 closed at one end by a cover 16 and containing fixed leaf contacts 12, 13 and radially displaceable movable leaf contacts 14. Contacts in the first module, however, are actuated by the sliding motion of control element 17 axially disposed in the first module, while contacts in the second module are actuated by the rotary motion of control element 35 axially disposed in the second module and adapted to be driven by the control element 17 of the first module.

As described hereinbefore, either of the basic modules may be the sole switching unit of the entire switch, or, the two modules may be used in one switch device in various combinations as indicated hereinabove.

The switches or push buttons may be provided with locking means which would prevent their operation under certain conditions.

It is further to be understood that it is possible and conceivable within the concept of this invention to modify or replace certain means by equivalent means without departing from the scope of the invention.

That which is claimed is:

1. Electrical switch comprising at least one first contact supporting element and at least one second contact supporting element each formed by a generally cylindrical casing open at both ends and closed by removable apertured cover members, each of said contact supporting elements enclosing contact means including at least one movable contact cooperating with at least one fixed contact, each of said contacts carried by an elongated flexible lamina fixedly secured at one end to said contact supporting elements, said movable contacts being redially displaceable with respect to the axis of said casing, said first and said second contact supporting elements disposed with their axes aligned, an elongated first control element passing through the open ends of said first contact supporting element and having ramp means adapted to actuate said movable contact of said first supporting element upon displacement of said first control element along its longitudinal axis, an elongated second control element passing through at least one open end of said second supporting element and having rib means adapted to actuate said movable contact of said second supporting element upon rotation of said second control element about its longitudinal axis, and connecting means linking said first control element with said second control element, said connecting means being adapted to transmit solely a rotational movement of said first control element to said second control element.

2. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein said cylindrical casings are made of an insulating synthetic material and wherein said removable covers engage the ends of said casings with a resilient fit.

3. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said laminae secured to said contact supporting elements by clamping between said casing and said cover.

4. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein said covers comprise first axially extending rib means resiliently engaging the inner surface of said casing, at least one of said flexible laminae inserted between said first rib means and said casing.

5. Electrical switch according to claim 4, wherein said covers comprise second axially extending rib means,,sa.id casing comprises axially extending inner rib means, the two last mentioned rib means being in parallel, resilient engagement with one another with at least one of said flexible laminae inserted therebetween.

6. Electrical switch according to claim 5, wherein said first and said second rib means are arranged with a thin space therebetween, at least one of said flexible laminae engaged in said space and fixedly held by said first and second rib means upon resilient engagement thereof in said casing.

7. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein said first contact supporting element and said second contact supporting element disposed immediately at either side of said connecting means, the covers of said first contact supporting element and said second contact supporting element facing each other being formed by a single element enclosing said connecting means.

8. Electrical switch according to claim 7, wherein said single element enclosing said connecting means comprises means for resiliently maintaining said first member in predetermined angular positions.

9. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes a connecting member having projecting longitudinal fingers annularly disposed and connected at their ends by a terminal ring, said first control element having a corresponding number of longitudinal fingers engaging the space between the fingers of said connecting member, the terminal portion of each of said fingers being radially offset to form stop means, and resilient return means for urging said stop means into abutment against said ring of said connecting member.

10. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein two of said first contact supporting elements are consecutively secured to each other by a single element constituting a cover for each of said contact supporting elements.

11. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein two of said second contact supporting elements are consecutively secured to each other by a single element constituting a cover for each of said contact supporting elements.

12. Electrical switch according to claim 1, including a series of consecutive elements identical to said first contact supporting element.

13. Electrical switch according to claim 1, including a series of consecutive elements identical to said second contact supporting element.

14. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein said first and second control elements and said connecting means comprise an axial bore and are rotatably and axially slidably mounted on a single axle extending through said axial bore.

15. Electrical switch according to claim 14, wherein said axle comprises two longitudinal grooves in each of which there is disposed an elongated metallic ribbon member.

16. Electrical switch according to claim 15, wherein said ribbon members are shaped at one end of said axle to form electrical terminals, and at the other end of said axle to form a socket member for a signalling lamp.

17. Electrical switch according to claim 16, including a signalling lamp formed by a bulb having two lateral terminals adapted to engage said socket member and an insulating base abutting the corresponding end of said axle.

18. Electrical switch according to claim 17, including a removable cup-shaped control button made of synthetic material and enclosing said signalling lamp, and having a base abutting the corresponding end of said control ele-' ment and comprising means for transmitting a rotational movement thereto.

19. Electrical switch according to claim 1, wherein said first contact supporting element and said second contact supporting element disposed immediately'at either side of said connecting means, the covers of said first'conta'ct supporting element and said second contact supporting element facing each other formed by a single element enclosing said connecting means, two of said first contact supporting elements are secured consecutively to each other by a single element constituting a cover for each of said contact supporting elements, two of said second contact supporting elements are secured consecutively to each other by a single element constituting a cover for each of said contact supporting elements, the assembly of said contact supporting elements and said single element enclosing said connecting means stacked on at least two rods and held in a fixed stacked relationship by locking nuts threadedly engageable by said rods.

20. An electrical control switch having a plurality of stages comprising an elongated housing, means mounting plural contact supporting spring strip members parallel with the long axis of said housing, said spring strip members having free ends for moving radially to said axis, a first stage having a first control member aligned with said axis, said first control member having actuating means for moving said spring strip members upon translation thereof, a second stage having a second control member aligned with said axis, said second control member having actuating means for moving said spring strip members upon rotation thereof, said first and second stages connected to an auxiliary housing, means mounted in said auxiliary housing connecting said first and second control members, a first spring means in said connecting means for returning said first control member upon translation thereof and a second spring means between said connecting means and said auxiliary housing for maintaining said second control member in predetermined angular positions upon rotation thereof.

' 21. An electrical switch according to claim 20, wherein a fixed central stem extends through said stages, said stem having electrical conducting means terminating at one end of said stem into a socket means for securing a lamp.

22. A convertible electrical switch comprising at least one first module and at least one second module, each of said modules including a cylindrical casing enclosing contact means, said contact means in each of said modules having at least one movable contact cooperating with at least one stationary contact, said movable contacts being radially dispaceable with respect to said casing, said modules being removably afiixed to one another with their longitudinal axes aligned, each said first module further including an elongated first control element disposed axially therein and each adapted for rotation and linear axial displacement in unison, said first control element having means to radially displace said movable contact of said first module upon said linear displacement of said first control element, each said second module including an elongated second control element disposed axially therein and each adapted for rotation in unison, said second control element having means to radially displace said movable contact of said second module upon rotation of said second control element, connecting means linking said first control element with an axially adjacent second control element, said connecting means being adapted to transmit solely a rotational movement of said first control element to said second control element, any number of said first and said second modules being removable at will from said convertible switch without affecting the operability of the remaining at least one module and a manually operable means axially directly connected to the control element of one of said remaining modules.

No references cited.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner. H, JONES, Assistant Examiner,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N0. 3,320,394 May 16, 1967 Marcel Verneau It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

In the heading to the printed specification, after line 7, insert Claims priority, application France, June 21, 1963, 938,981 column 6, line 29, for "redially" read radially Signed and sealed this 14th day of November 1967.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD J. BRENNER Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer 

1. ELECTRICAL SWITCH COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE FIRST CONTACT SUPPORTING ELEMENT AND AT LEAST ONE SECOND CONTACT SUPPORTING ELEMENT EACH FORMED BY A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL CASING OPEN AT BOTH ENDS AND CLOSED BY REMOVABLE APERTURED COVER MEMBERS, EACH OF SAID CONTACT SUPPORTING ELEMENTS ENCLOSING CONTACT MEANS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE MOVABLE CONTACT COOPERATING WITH AT LEAST ONE FIXED CONTACT, EACH OF SAID CONTACTS CARRIED BY AN ELONGATED FLEXIBLE LAMINA FIXEDLY SECURED AT ONE END TO SAID CONTACT SUPPORTING ELEMENTS, SAID MOVABLE CONTACTS BEING REDIALLY DISPLACEABLE WITH RESPECT TO THE AXIS OF SAID CASING, SAID FIRST AND SAID SECOND CONTACT SUPPORTING ELEMENTS DISPOSED WITH THEIR AXES ALIGNED, AN ELONGATED FIRST CONTROL ELEMENT PASSING THROUGH THE OPEN ENDS OF SAID FIRST CONTACT SUPPORTING ELEMENT AND HAVING RAMP MEANS ADAPTED TO ACTUATE SAID MOVABLE CONTACT OF SAID FIRST SUPPORTING ELEMENT UPON DISPLACEMENT OF SAID FIRST CONTROL ELEMENT ALONG ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS, AN ELONGATED SECOND CONTROL ELEMENT PASSING THROUGH AT LEAST ONE OPEN END OF SAID SECOND SUPPORTING ELEMENT AND HAVING RIB MEANS ADAPTED TO ACTUATE SAID MOVABLE CONTACT OF SAID SECOND SUPPORTING ELEMENT UPON ROTATION OF SAID SECOND CONTROL ELEMENT ABOUT ITS 